Description: A regularly occurring column in this Leadership and Development Section publication, it is a platform for the Section Chairperson to communicate with the readership regarding upcoming important topics that this Section will focus on in the current year. This article provides an overview of the new plan of focus for the newly-elected Leadership and Development Section Council for 2023.

Description: This article is an overview of the SOA Leadership & Development Section Council's current projects, recent accomplishments and some immediate focal points of the Leadership & Development Section Council's efforts.

Description: Introduction of the Leadership & Development 20th Anniversary Special Edition of The Stepping Stone.

Description: Adapted from portion of book titled "Awake at Work" by Michael Carroll, applying Buddhist philosophy to the reality that all employment arrangements and careers, even those of actuaries, must come to an end.

Description: Executives often tell subject matter experts such as actuaries, “You should think more strategically!” But the executives never define what they mean by “thinking more strategically”. This article defines the skills actuaries need to be perceived as being more strategic. It will provide practical steps actuaries can take to gain more strategic influence and escape the trap of being perceived as only a subject matter expert who provides limited strategic value.

Description: Executives often tell subject matter experts such as actuaries, “You should think more strategically!” But, the executives never define what they mean by “thinking more strategically”. This article defines the skills actuaries need to be perceived as being more strategic. It will provide practical steps actuaries can take to gain more strategic influence and escape the trap of being perceived as only a subject matter expert who provides limited strategic value.

Description: Based on a decades-long study, honesty is the most important quality in a leader. This article addresses ways to establish trust with their co-workers.

Description: How to offer constructive criticism and use it as a tool to improve work processes, nurture business relationships and get the outcomes you want.

Description: Chairperson's Corner - introduces the issue and the SOA's initiative on diversity, as well as introduces Murnighan's diverse approach to leadership. Do Nothing! is the first of a three part series focused on J. Keith Murnighan's book "Do Nothing!" and discusses balancing working vs. leading, how to succeed as leader by counterbalancing challenges, and to best manage a team.

Description: A look at Churchill's advice on hobbies from "Painting as a Pastime" -- why it's important to have a serious hobby to refresh one's mind.